POLS 447 - Nonviolent Strategies in International Relations

Unit(s): 4

The use of force is often considered to be the most effective form of power, yet nonviolent strategies of action can, in many cases, provide more efficient and successful means to achieve one’s goals than the ultima ratio of violence. Those who rely on “just war theory” to advocate for the necessity of war should note that in the 20th century (and early 21st century), nonviolent forms of resistance to oppressive authority generated more profound social and political transformations than violence. Most recently, direct nonviolent action has helped facilitate democratic transitions and is proving to be the most promising means to bring justice and overcome oppression in current struggles in Burma, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Western Sahara, Zimbabwe, and Belarus. This course will draw on a range of literature, theory, and case studies in international relations to examine these and other questions: “When is nonviolence a preferable alternative, both ethically and strategically?”, “How does the regime context (e.g., open society vs. dictatorship) influence the menu of nonviolent options?”, “Why have some nonviolent movements been successful while others have failed?”, and “What insights does the application of nonviolent action provide to the global community?”.

Grading: OPT